Tanya, Part I; Likkutei Amarim 12:7

Shalom, and welcome! I'm so excited you're here to explore some Jewish wisdom with me.

Hook

Have you ever felt like you're trying your best, really putting in the effort to be a good person, but then a thought pops into your head, or a feeling arises, and you wonder, "Where did that come from?" Maybe you're trying to be patient, and suddenly you feel a flash of annoyance, or you're focused on a mitzvah (a good deed), and a distracting, less-than-ideal thought drifts in. It can be confusing, right? You might ask yourself, "Does this mean I'm not a good person? Am I failing?" It's a very common human experience to grapple with these internal tugs-of-war. We all have those moments where our good intentions seem to bump up against less-than-good impulses. Today, we're going to look at an ancient Jewish text that talks about this exact experience. It offers a way to understand ourselves and our inner lives, not as a battle we're losing, but as a dynamic process. This text isn't about achieving some unattainable perfection overnight. Instead, it offers a realistic and encouraging picture of spiritual growth and what it means to be on a journey of becoming. It’s a beautiful idea that can help us feel more at peace with our own human complexities.

Context

Let's set the stage for our text today. Imagine we're stepping back in time to a rich tradition of Jewish thought, where people have been pondering the nature of the soul and how to live a meaningful life for thousands of years.

Who, When, and Where

• Who: This text comes from the Tanya, a foundational work of Chabad philosophy, written by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi in the late 18th century. While it's from a specific tradition, its ideas resonate broadly about the human experience.
• When: The Tanya was written during a period of great intellectual and spiritual ferment in Jewish communities. Rabbi Schneur Zalman was writing for a generation seeking deeper understanding and practical guidance.
• Where: The Tanya emerged from the Eastern European Jewish world, but its teachings have spread globally, influencing Jewish thought and practice far beyond its original geographical location. Think of it as wisdom that traveled!
• Key Term: The "Animal Soul" and the "Divine Soul"
  • Animal Soul: This is the part of us that drives our physical needs, emotions, and survival instincts. It’s totally natural and necessary! Think of it as our "get-up-and-go" energy.
  • Divine Soul: This is the part of us that connects us to something larger, our spiritual side, our conscience, our capacity for goodness and higher purpose. It’s our inner spark of holiness.

Text Snapshot

Here’s a little peek at what Rabbi Schneur Zalman says about a person who is somewhere in the middle of their spiritual journey. He calls this person a benoni, which we can think of as an "intermediate" person – not perfect, but definitely on the right track!

The benoni (intermediate person) is someone in whom the "evil" never fully takes over their "small city" (their body and mind) to make them sin. This means that the drives from the "animal soul" don't overpower the "divine soul" enough to make them act wrongly in thought, speech, or deed. Instead, it's the "divine soul" that guides their thought, speech, and action, focusing on the commandments of the Torah. Such a person has never, and will never, commit a transgression. They wouldn't even be called "wicked" for a moment.

However, the divine soul doesn't always have complete control. There are times, like when praying the Shema or Amidah, when the mind is focused on God. At these moments, the "evil" part is suppressed by the goodness of the divine soul. But afterward, when that intense focus fades, the desire for worldly pleasures might return. Yet, because the evil doesn't have total authority, it can't actually make the person sin in deed, speech, or even persistent thought that leads to action.

The text explains that our intellect, our "brain," is meant to rule over our emotions, our "heart." Even if a bad thought arises, the benoni has the willpower to push it away immediately. They don't willingly entertain it, and certainly not act on it. They reject it as soon as they recognize it. This is how wisdom surpasses folly, like light banishing darkness. The benoni is never wicked, not even for a moment.

(Based on Tanya, Part I; Likkutei Amarim 12:7 — https://www.sefaria.org/Tanya%2C_Part_I%3B_Likkutei_Amarim_12%3A7)

Close Reading

This passage is packed with fascinating ideas, and the way it describes our inner lives is quite brilliant. Let's break down a few key insights that can really help us understand ourselves better.

### Insight 1: You're Not Defined by Every Thought

One of the most liberating ideas here is that you are not your fleeting thoughts or passing urges. The text describes the benoni, the intermediate person, as someone who might have a bad thought or a tempting desire arise, but it doesn't define them. The crucial part is what happens next.

Think about it like this: Imagine you're walking down the street, and someone bumps into you. You might feel a flicker of annoyance – that's a natural reaction, an impulse. But what you do with that annoyance is what matters. Do you lash out? Or do you take a breath, recognize the feeling, and choose a different response? The Tanya is saying that this internal process is key.

The text emphasizes that for the benoni, these "evil" thoughts or impulses don't get to "clothe themselves in the body" to the point of causing sin. This is a powerful metaphor! It means that even if an unwanted thought pops into your head – maybe a moment of envy, or a desire for something you shouldn't have, or even a quick flash of anger – it doesn't automatically mean you are that thought. The benoni has the capacity to recognize it and reject it. They don't dwell on it, they don't let it take root and grow, and they certainly don't act on it.

The text even goes as far as to say, "no sooner does it reach there [the brain] than he thrusts it out with both hands and averts his mind from it the instant he reminds himself that it is an evil thought, refusing to accept it willingly." This is an active process! It’s not about never having the thought, but about having the ability and the willpower to say, "Nope, not going there." This is what prevents the "evil" from taking over the "small city" of your being.

This is incredibly encouraging because most of us experience random, unhelpful, or even negative thoughts. If we believed that every thought we had was a direct reflection of our core self, we'd be in constant distress! But this teaching offers a different perspective: it's about our response to those thoughts, our ability to choose not to be ruled by them, that truly shapes our character. It’s about the conscious decision to redirect our attention, especially toward holiness and goodness. So, the next time an uninvited thought pops up, remember this: it's an opportunity to practice your "thrusting it out with both hands" skill!

### Insight 2: The Power of Intention and Conscious Choice

Another vital takeaway is the emphasis on intention and conscious choice, especially when our "divine soul" and "animal soul" seem to be in disagreement. The Tanya explains that even when the intensity of spiritual focus fades after prayer (or any deeply focused moment), and worldly desires might reawaken, the benoni still has control.

The text uses the idea of the "brain ruling over the heart." This isn't about literal anatomy, but about the intellect guiding our emotions and desires. Our rational mind, our ability to think and choose, is designed to be the captain of the ship. Even if the heart feels a strong pull towards something, the "brain" has the power to say, "Hold on a minute. Is this aligned with what's good and right?"

The benoni doesn't just passively hope for the best. They actively use their willpower. The text says, "man is created from birth, that each person may, with the willpower in his brain, restrain himself and control the drive of lust that is in his heart, preventing his heart’s desires from expressing themselves in action, word, or thought." This is a profound statement about human agency. We are equipped with the ability to restrain ourselves.

Consider a situation where you know something isn't good for you, or isn't kind to others, but you feel a strong urge to do it anyway. The Tanya is saying you have the internal resources to prevent that desire from becoming an action. You can divert your attention. You can choose to focus your mind on something else, something positive, something holy. This is the essence of what it means to be in control of your choices.

It’s not about suppressing feelings entirely – that’s often impossible and unhealthy. It’s about not letting those feelings dictate your actions, especially when they conflict with your values. The benoni actively works to ensure that their actions, words, and even sustained thoughts are aligned with their higher purpose, not just reacting to immediate impulses. This active engagement with our choices is what distinguishes the benoni from someone who is carried away by every inclination. It’s about making a conscious effort to steer your life in the direction of goodness, even when it's not the easiest path.

### Insight 3: The Journey is Ongoing, and That's Okay!

Perhaps the most comforting insight is that the benoni isn't someone who has achieved a static state of perfection. The text makes it clear that this person is still in process. They are not called a tzaddik (a righteous person) in the highest sense, because their "natural impulses have not been completely sublimated" and the "essence and being of the animal soul… remains entirely undislodged after prayer."

This is huge! It means that even for someone who is spiritually advanced and doesn't commit transgressions, there's still an ongoing dynamic. The "evil" part of them still exists. It just doesn't win. This is a much more realistic portrayal of spiritual life than the idea that we just "arrive" at some perfect state and stay there.

The Tanya describes how, after a moment of intense spiritual connection, "the evil in the left part reawakens, and he begins to feel a desire for the lusts of the world and its delights." This is a description of human nature! It's not a failure; it's just how it works. The difference for the benoni is that they have developed the tools and the willpower to manage these resurfacing desires. They don't let them control their actions.

This concept is incredibly important for beginners because it removes the pressure of needing to be perfect from day one. It acknowledges that we all have parts of ourselves that are more challenging, and that spiritual growth is a journey, not a destination. The benoni is defined not by the absence of struggle, but by their consistent success in navigating that struggle. They consistently choose the good, even when the "evil" part is still around.

This ongoing nature of the journey means that every day, every moment, is an opportunity to practice. It's not about never stumbling; it's about always getting back up and continuing to move forward with intention. The fact that the "essence" of the animal soul remains means there's always a reason to be vigilant and to actively engage our divine soul and willpower. This ongoing process is where the real growth happens. It’s a reminder that we are all on a path, and the progress we make in managing our internal world is what truly matters.

Apply It

This week, let's try a super simple practice inspired by the idea of actively redirecting our thoughts when an unwanted one arises. It's about building that "thrusting out with both hands" muscle!

Daily "Thought Redirect" Practice (≤60 seconds/day)

1. Choose a Time: Pick a consistent time each day, maybe when you're having your morning coffee, or during a quiet moment before bed.
2. Set a Reminder (Optional): If it helps, set a gentle reminder on your phone for that time.
3. The Practice: When your chosen time arrives, take a deep breath. Now, I want you to intentionally think of one thing you are genuinely grateful for. It can be something tiny – the taste of your tea, a comfortable chair, a nice email you received.
4. Hold It: For about 10-15 seconds, really focus on that feeling of gratitude. Let it fill your mind.
5. The "Redirect" Part: Now, here’s the key: If, during that moment of gratitude, any other thought pops in – a worry, a to-do list item, a random distraction – simply acknowledge it briefly ("Ah, a thought about work") and then, with gentle intention, bring your focus back to your gratitude. You are practicing bringing your mind back to what you choose to focus on.
6. Repeat: You can do this for about 30-60 seconds. The goal isn't to achieve perfect focus, but to practice the act of returning your attention.

This exercise is a mini-workout for your "brain" to rule over your "heart" (or in this case, your wandering mind!). It’s about building the habit of choosing where your attention goes, even for a short while each day.

Chevruta Mini

Imagine you're discussing this with a friend over a cup of tea. Here are a couple of questions to get your conversation flowing:

### Question 1: The "Small City" Metaphor

The text uses the metaphor of a "small city" to represent our body and mind. What does this metaphor bring to mind for you? How does thinking of yourself as a "city" with different parts help you understand the ideas in the Tanya about managing internal impulses?

### Question 2: The "Thrusting Out" Skill

The Tanya describes the benoni as someone who "thrusts out" unwanted thoughts "with both hands." What are some practical ways you can imagine yourself "thrusting out" a distracting or unhelpful thought in your daily life this week? What might that look like in a real situation?

Takeaway

Remember this: You have the inner strength to choose where your focus goes, and that ability is more powerful than any fleeting thought or feeling.